Rissho Kosei-Kai

Japanese lay Buddhist organization, founded in 1938 by Nikkyo Niwano. It represents the liberal wing of the Japanese Buddhist tradition initiated by Nichiren, although this historical personage is less and less mentioned in the official documents of the group by his extremist and nationalistic ideas. After the death of the founder in 1991, the presidency happened in the hands of its son, Nichiko Niwano, that continues to show it today. The head office is in Tokyo.

The teachings of Rissho Kosei-Kai are embedded in the Mahāyāna tradition. They are based primarily on the Lotus Sutra and seek to apply Buddhist teachings to practice in the daily life of its members. They promote a type of secular Buddhism and lack priesthood and monasteries. Its members gather in small groups (hoza) to pose and share their daily problems in community and, through the application of the teachings of the Buddha, particularly the concept that the nature of the Buddha is present in all things, try to find ways to solve their problems and live a more harmonious life.

Rissho Kosei-Kai actively participates in interreligious dialogue and is a member of the International Association for Religious Freedom (IARF) and the World Conference of Religions for Peace (WCRP). He also collaborates regularly with Catholic organizations such as the Focolare and the Community of Sant'Egidio.

According to the organization itself, Rissho Kosei-Kai has about 2 million member families and more than 200 centers in Japan. They are also present, although in a very minority way, in the United States and other countries of the West.

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